Steven Rosen Lab

The Steven Rosen Lab focuses on the development of novel cancer therapeutics for hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. We integrate translational research, drug discovery and clinical investigation to advance innovative therapies from bench to bedside. Our work spans RNA-targeted therapeutics, targeted kinase inhibition, immunotherapy enhancement, antibody-drug conjugates and drug repurposing approaches designed to improve outcomes for patients with cancer.

Research Highlights

RNA-Directed Therapeutics for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The Rosen Lab is advancing the clinical development of 8-chloro-adenosine, a novel RNA-directed nucleoside analog, in combination with decitabine and venetoclax for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This work builds on prior support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Rising Tide Foundation and seeks to improve outcomes for high-risk AML patients.

Nanomedicine-Based Targeted Therapies

The Rosen Lab has developed a lipid-based nano therapy that incorporates a multi-kinase inhibitor targeting the PI3K and p38 gamma signaling pathways. This approach is being evaluated for both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors and has provided the scientific foundation for NOVAL Biotherapeutics. This research has been previously supported by Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and NCI.

Drug Repurposing for Multiple Myeloma

The Rosen Lab is investigating the therapeutic potential of leflunomide, an FDA-approved agent, for the treatment of multiple myeloma. By repurposing existing drugs with well-established safety profiles, the lab aims to accelerate the translation of promising therapies to cancer patients. This research is supported by an NCI grant.

Targeting SUMOylation in Cancer

The Rosen Lab is exploring the inhibition of SUMOylation as a novel therapeutic strategy across a broad spectrum of blood cancers and solid tumors. In addition to its direct anti-tumor activity, SUMOylation inhibition has demonstrated the potential to enhance the efficacy of CAR T cell therapies. This research has been previously supported by a U.S. Department of Defense grant.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Leukemia and Lymphoma

The Rosen Lab is developing a fully human monoclonal antibody-drug conjugate (exotecan) targeting CD84 (SLAMF 5) for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. This program has led to the founding of SLAM Biotherapeutics. This research has been previously supported by Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and Rising Tide Foundation grants.

In addition to these established programs, the Rosen Lab continues to pursue new therapeutic strategies and innovative drug development initiatives aimed at addressing unmet clinical needs across a diverse range of cancers. Through collaborative translational research, we seek to advance next-generation therapies that improve patient outcomes and expand treatment possibilities.